Media Coursework (Lola)

Channel 5 Documentary: Pickpockets & Proud: I choose this show as it's similar to On Benefits & Proud as it takes on an observatory role as it doesn't interfere with the sample the researcher is observing. This technique is what I want to repeat for my own documentary. Both documentaries I have chosen to analyse focus on vulnerable groups, that are working class.  Due to their similarities both Pickpockets & Proud and On Benefits & Proud have similar genre conventions; which allows me to understand the aspects of an observatory documentary. Genre Conventions: (Opening Sequence) Eyeline match shots, to show immediately the subject of the documentary and engage the audience. Medium long shots of the most interesting people in the show, and the most vulnerable people e.g criminals. (This engages the audience) Group shots to show the setting of the documentary, and show the appearances of the people the documentary follows. (this helps determine the tar...

Documentaries from Channel 5: On Benefits & Proud: (Opening sequence) Genre conventions: Broad engaging statistics to shock the audience Montage editing at the beginning to show what will happen in the episode, continuity editing throughout most of the show to create a sense of realism. Diegetic sound to create a sense of realism and show the reality of the places the show is set. Close-ups shots create a personal connection between the audience and the people in the documentary. Hand-held cameras create a sense of chaos and lack of control, which creates a sense of vulnerability for the people in the show. Establishing shots are shown at the beginning to show the setting, and create a sombre tone for the show. Dull, greyish colour palette for most of the opening sequence when showing the outside of setting; but also a warmish colour palette when showing the people. Medium long shots of the most interesting people in the show, and the most vulnerable peo...